Yodi S. Hailemariam

About

Yodi S. Hailemariam focuses her practice on U.S. and cross-border information governance, data privacy, cybersecurity, electronic discovery, legal analytics, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. Yodi has experience in a wide range of industries, including technology, health care, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, intellectual property, insurance and financial services. Yodi has extensive experience advising on cross-border data issues, particularly with respect to Asia and the European Union.

A frequent author, speaker and panelist on “all things data,” Yodi advises companies regarding electronic discovery in complex civil litigations, white collar defense, and corporate investigations; information governance and records management policies and programs; and data privacy, security and regulatory compliance. Yodi is also experienced in leveraging data analytics to achieve better, more efficient and more cost-effective results for clients. Yodi advises the firm and its clients on the development and use of analytics models that enable insight, data storytelling, and economic value generation.

At her previous firm, Yodi took an active role in developing the first digital evidence analysis platform in China to be operated and staffed by PRC-licensed lawyers. In this role, Yodi also helped to design PRC-specific procedures for the strategic use and handling of sensitive digital information in civil litigation, anti-corruption investigations, and routine compliance audits in China. Prior to moving to Washington, D.C., Yodi worked at one of the “Big Four” Japanese law firms in Tokyo, Japan.

Yodi is an active contributor to the DBR on Data blog, where she regularly publishes material on a wide range of U.S. and global data privacy and information governance issues.

Yodi speaks Amharic and Japanese.

Experience

Represented and served as lead discovery counsel for multiple U.S. hospital systems in defense of qui tam whistleblower litigation involving False Claims Act, Stark laws, and Anti-Kickback Statute in federal district court.

Represented and served as lead discovery counsel for aggregate and heavy building materials supplier in response to Department of Justice subpoena relating to proposed merger.

Represented and served as lead discovery counsel for Japanese manufacturing company in defense of U.S. Department of Justice antitrust and obstruction of justice investigation.

Represented and served as lead discovery counsel for U.S. utilities company in response to Federal Trade Commission investigation into proposed merger.

Represented and served as lead discovery counsel for non-profit community-based physician group in defense of complex civil litigation.

Represented and served as lead discovery counsel for physician in defense of Department of Justice investigation into anti-kickback and False Claims Act violations by Japanese company.

Represented and served as lead discovery counsel for U.S. banking institution in defense of U.S. Federal Trade Commission Civil Investigative Demand.

Represented and secured asylum for Orthodox Christian due to religious prosecution in Eritrea.

Insights & Events

Credentials

Bar Admissions

District of Columbia

Texas

Education

Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, J.D.

Southern Methodist University, B.A., with honors

Organizations

Christian Legal Aid of DC, Board of Directors

Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, Black Law Students Association (Past President)

Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, State Bar of Texas (Past Student Representative)

The Sedona Conference, Electronic Document Retention and Production – Working Group 1; International Electronic Information Management, Discovery and Disclosure – Working Group 6; Data Security and Privacy Liability – Working Group 11